If hyolaryngeal movement is reduced during the pharyngeal swallow, which of the following are likely affected?

• A. Reduced laryngeal elevation
• B. Reduced epiglottic inversion
• C. Reduced opening of the UES
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Hyolaryngeal movement during the pharyngeal swallow is the driving force behind airway protection and opening of the esophagus. As the hyoid and larynx move upward and forward, three key actions occur: the larynx elevates to help close the airway, the epiglottis inverts to shield the glottic opening, and the cricopharyngeus (UES) is pulled open to allow bolus passage into the esophagus. If this movement is reduced, laryngeal elevation diminishes, epiglottic inversion is less effective, and the UES opening is restricted. Because all three processes depend on the same hyolaryngeal excursion, they are all likely affected.